First Night Escondido returns this New Year's Eve, providing families with an alcohol-free place for fun and entertainment.

The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until midnight with activities at Grape Day Park, City Hall and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Debbi Stanley, executive director of the event, said she believes being “fairly conservative” is what has kept First Night Escondido going for 14 years.

“We listen to what the people want,” Stanley said, citing the return of the 9 p.m. fireworks show. “So many people looked forward to the (fireworks) celebration and were disappointed when it was canceled last year.”

Being fiscally conservative is especially important this year because public and private sponsorships have decreased. A longtime sponsor, the city of Escondido, faces a budget deficit and reduced subsidies to all civic events.

The city also is charging for police services instead of absorbing the cost, as it had in the past.

As a result, First Night, which costs $153,000 to produce, received $31,000 from the city, down from $35,000 last year, Stanley said. The show also will have to pay an estimated $9,000 in police costs.

Private sponsorships fell by $13,000, Stanley said.

To make do with less, organizers cut some programs such as the laser light show to save money, and took $14,000 out of First Night's reserves.

“There has always been so much to do at the event, you won't notice these things have changed,” Stanley said. “We are cautiously optimistic that we can replace the money.

“We need to hear from the community: If they want First Night to continue, volunteer this year, come out and participate,” Stanley said.

While there have been cutbacks, there are also some additions that promise to shorten the wait in the children's play area, she said.

Music and dance performances will take place on all stages in the arts center, the conference center and behind the museum. There also will be music in Grape Day Park and under the dome at Escondido City Hall.

Stanley said organizers expect about 7,000 people this year, the same as last year.

Tickets are available at Major Market or Vons stores in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and San Marcos, at the California Center for the Arts ticket office or online at firstnightescondido.com. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.